Slovenščina
What kind of ventilation do I need?
The market offers two types of ventilation units and systems, i.e. central and local. Both types have their own advantages and disadvantages while below we highlight the key differences between both systems.
Central ventilation
If you opt for central ventilation you should consider this already when designing the house or building, and include the investment costs and location of air ducts in the design itself. Central systems offer good thermal efficiency and are usually distinguished by quieter operation, however, such systems require more installation space and come at a higher investment cost. The main disadvantage of a central ventilation system is that both inlet and outlet air travel along the same duct. As a result dirt and dust particles from inlet air are gradually piling on the duct wall, and return back into the premises.
ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
Good heat recovery | Installation requires more space |
Quieter operation | More complex maintenance (duct cleaning costs) |
| Major construction works required |
| Higher total installation costs |
| Concurrent ventilation of all premises with the same power – no settings for individual rooms |
| High air distribution costs |
Local ventilation
An undisputed fact, also recognised by numerous experts, is that local ventilation systems provide a healthier and more efficient ventilation compared to central ventilation systems. They can be installed practically anywhere, in each and every room. As the path of air is shorter, air distribution costs are significantly lower, while users can adjust the unit’s operation in each room according to their current needs. Due to simple installation, maintenance and cleaning, as well as its suitability for different-sized apartments and buildings, local ventilation system are gaining popularity and are now becoming even more popular than central ventilation systems.
ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
No major construction or installation works required | Requires more systems and more wall breakthroughs are required in a single building |
No pipes and no pipe cleaning costs |
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No additional space required for the unit |
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Short ducts and air path |
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Separate ventilation of each and every room |
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Unidirectional ventilation systems (such as the majority of ventilation systems available on the market) are pressure based. The unit first discharges air (warm air in winter and cold air in summer) for 70 seconds. The energy and heat emitted by outlet air are stored in a thermal ceramic panel (thermal storage), until the fan changes its mode of operation and begins supplying fresh air from the outside. This air is slightly heated or cooled when traveling through the ceramic panel, however, in case of high temperature difference between indoor and outdoor air, heat losses increase accordingly.
Due to the above, the EU promotes bidirectional ventilation systems, which comprise a mere 15% of the offer in European markets. One of such systems is also MIKrovent. Bidirectional systems are based on the principle of constant air exchange – the system’s operation is based on counter-current circulation. Inlet and outlet air constantly flow through the system, while they meet only in the heat exchanger, where outlet air emits its energy to the inlet air. As both inlet and outlet air travel through separate ducts, we prevent contact of dirty and clean air at all times.